Each month one of our team here at the Glasgow dental clinic will be writing a ‘guest blog’ – and giving us an insight into something that’s new in their dental world.

Today dentist colleague Jillian Clare tells us about a new course she’s started to ensure she’s up to date with the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques that can be used in a smile makeover. Here are Jillian’s words –

“In the past, the practice of dentistry was primarily based upon the prevention and the treatment of dental disease.

While this still holds true, and is of vital importance, dentistry is evolving.

The press and media focus on beautiful smiles, over the past decade especially, has seen an enormous demand for the cosmetic improvement of the smile.

An attractive smile can be seen as an important social asset. Surveys have shown that, more than any other feature- the smile is what both men and women find most attractive in other people.

ART AND SCIENCE OF A BEAUTIFUL SMILE

A smile can be enhanced by the most simple of cosmetic treatments, such as professional home whitening, or the changing of a visible, traditional amalgam filling, to a more attractive and natural looking “white filling”; right up to complex full mouth reconstruction following a comprehensive smile design planning process.

I have recently started a nine month course on advanced aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry, in London.

This course aims to teach us “the art and science” of a beautiful smile, and is taught by two highly respected, London based, cosmetic dentists, together with guest speakers from different interlinked specialities.
The structure is largely hands on, together with a sound theory core.

Dentistry has changed so much, even in the 14 years since my graduation from Glasgow dental school.
I have attended many courses within that time, in order to keep up to date with current best practice.

At dental school, we were, of course, taught how to place “white” composite fillings, and how to prepare and bond veneers, but with so many new advancements in materials, techniques and technology, I wanted to ensure that I am able to offer my patients the very best treatment options, both in routine restorative dentistry, and also should they be looking to cosmetically enhance their smile.

SMILE DESIGN

The course starts with several days devoted to the all important planning stages, including smile design, dental photography, and cosmetic imaging.

The cosmetic imaging training, is for me, one of the most exciting aspects of this course, as it allows modification of an onscreen picture of a patients own teeth, to show the cosmetic dentistry enhancement possibilities.

Changes in the length and width of teeth, straightening, whitening, closure of gaps, the lifting of the gum to reduce a gummy smile appearance, and many more cosmetic dental options, can all be visualised in the image of the patients own mouth, and this simulation can then be compared next to the patients existing smile picture.

Essentially, this will allow patients to visualise all possibilities, and be involved in any modification, to achieve the smile that they desire, prior to a decision being made on the progression of treatment.
I am hoping to be able to offer cosmetic imaging to patients in the clinic as soon as possible after appropriate training.

In future blogs I will discuss in greater detail treatment options that are available to enhance the smile.”

We’re grateful to Jillian for her blog input. If you have any questions arising from the blog please feel free to contact the clinic on 0141 339 7579.